Job Opportunities

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:This is an appointed position by the Mayor. The incumbent in this position provides executive leadership for the Albany Water Department and Albany Water Board, ensuring safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater management. The role includes long‑term infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and coordination with local, state, and federal agencies. The Commissioner leads strategic initiatives to modernize water systems, improve resilience, and ensure sustainable service delivery to residents, businesses, and institutions. Work is performed under the direction of the Mayor. Supervision is exercised over all activities of the department.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Oversees the maintenance and repair of the water distribution system;

• Oversees the activities of the water filtration plant, pumping stations, and reservoirs;

• Directs major construction projects such as laying water mains, gates and valves;

• Monitors current water supply, advises the Mayor and City residents if a problem arises;

• Plans for future water supply, taking into consideration population increases, industrial conditions, and fire protection;

• Coordinates department activities with the work of other City departments and outside agencies;

• Directs the chemical and bacteriological examination of water;

• Oversees the business management functions of the department;

• Prepares periodic reports of departmental activities;

• Develops and oversees long‑term capital improvement plans for water and wastewater infrastructure;

• Ensures compliance with EPA, NYS Department of Health, DEC, and all other applicable regulatory requirements;

• Provides leadership on sustainability, climate resilience, watershed protection, and green infrastructure initiatives;

• Manages departmental budget development, financial forecasting, rate recommendations, and grant funding opportunities;

• Represents the Albany Water Department at public meetings, hearings, Board meetings, and with elected officials and community stakeholders;

• Oversees emergency response planning, incident management, and continuity of operations related to critical water infrastructure;

Performs related work as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• ·Thorough knowledge of the methods, tools, equipment and practices used in the installation and repair of water mains and appurtenances;

• Thorough knowledge of the component structures and appurtenances of the municipal water distribution system;

• Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal water quality standards and regulatory frameworks;

• Good knowledge of the principles and practices used in engineering;

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of the filtration, pumping and distribution of a municipal water system;

• Knowledge of the principles of supervision and delegation of authority;

• Strong understanding of capital construction, asset management, and water infrastructure planning;

• Skill in public communication, stakeholder engagement, and transparent decision‑making.

• Ability to lead a modern water utility, including financial planning, organizational leadership, and strategic operations;

• Ability to plan, assign, review and supervise the work of a large diversified force of employees engaged in the maintenance and operation of the municipal water distribution system;

• Ability to establish standards of workmanship and to evaluate work in connection with such standards;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department heads, subordinates, contractors and public service agency representatives;

• Ability to express oneself effectively in oral and written form;

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A.    Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a closely related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in water system operations, engineering, public utilities management, or infrastructure administration, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial role; OR

B.    Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a closely related field and  eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in water system operations, engineering, public utilities management, or infrastructure administration, including at least three (5) years in a supervisory or managerial role; OR

C.    Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) – Civil Engineering.

• Master’s Degree in Engineering

Note: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.    

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Per City Code § 62-1, candidates for this position hired by the City of Albany municipal government must be or become residents of the City of Albany within 180 days of hire and for the duration of employment. Failure to move into the City shall be deemed a voluntary resignation.

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DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the Mayor, the City Engineer serves as the senior engineering official for the municipality and is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all operations of the Department of Engineering. Under the general direction of the Mayor, the incumbent in this position plans and directs the operations of the Department of Engineering. The incumbent provides executive leadership for the City’s short- and long-range engineering, infrastructure, traffic, permitting, and building maintenance functions. Operations are monitored through both direct and indirect supervision of subordinate managerial and technical staff, including licensed engineers, project managers, and facility maintenance personnel. The City Engineer maintains frequent, substantive contact with Federal, State, regional, and local government officials regarding regulations, funding, emergency response, and project coordination. The incumbent also provides consultation and support to City departments on engineering and capital project matters.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only)

• Leads, organizes, and directs the operations of the Department of Engineering, including professional engineering staff, project managers, inspectors, and building maintenance personnel (e.g., plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, trades personnel).Provides direction and leadership on significant projects and initiatives (e.g., significantly large or complex projects that involve the convening of multiple entities or agencies);

• Conduct engineering construction inspections of all subdivision and land development projects to ensure consistency with approved plan.

• Leads long term planning and visioning for the Department, including developing strategic plans and overseeing the compilation of the Department of Engineering’s annual budget requests;

• Maximizes departmental productivity through clear communication, leadership, and effective staff development;

• Establishes strong, collaborative partnerships with City departments and external agencies; Plans and reports on major projects, streets, highways, bridges, buildings, parks and other public improvements;

• Supervises accident, traffic, land planning and property surveys;

• Directs and coordinates the complete design of engineering projects which includes plans, estimates, schedules, specifications and working drawings;

• Supervises the entire engineering construction program;

• Oversees the City’s traffic engineering program, including traffic studies, signal operations, and safety initiatives; Supervises the construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of City buildings;

• Supervises and reviews the development and presentation of plans, specifications and bid proposal sheets for the purchase of materials, equipment and public improvement projects;

• Directs preliminary feasibility studies, investigations, estimates and the preparation of drawings and specifications on proposed projects;

• Oversees inspection and quality assurance for all public infrastructure construction and contract work;

• Directs all field survey work in connection with the functions of the office;

• Provides guidance on the interpretation and enforcement of building codes, standards, and regulations; May review building plans preliminary to the issuance of building permits or municipal construction;

• Meets and consults with professional engineering personnel, contractors, and the public regarding engineering matters related to municipal projects;

• Participates in public presentations and provides technical briefings for the Mayor and other City leadership; Responds to emergencies involving infrastructure, utilities, or public safety;

• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ability to respond effectively to resident concerns and inquiries related to municipal engineering and infrastructure; Ability to manage complex capital projects from concept through completion, including technical review of drawings, calculations, and specifications; May exercise supervision over junior engineers, student trainees, and related personnel; Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, and methods; Comprehensive knowledge of modern techniques used in designing, constructing, altering, and maintaining public works and municipal infrastructure;

• Through knowledge of modern engineering methods and techniques as related to construction, alterations, and maintenance of public improvements;

• Strong knowledge of construction specifications, drawings, cost estimates, bidding procedures, and scheduling for public works projects; Ability to provide solutions to engineering and construction problems;

• Demonstrated success developing partnerships across sectors and/or silos to build consensus and achieve a common goal;

• Experience developing a diverse and skilled team, including attracting and retaining talent and fostering employee growth;

• Knowledge of current industry trends, including sustainability, traffic engineering innovations, green infrastructure, and resilient design; Thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of budgeting and financial record keeping

• Ability to think analytically in the solution of administrative and engineering problems and to make and hold to decisions resulting therefrom;

• Ability to meet, speak, and deal effectively with public officials, professional personnel and the general public;

• Ability to effectively use computer applications such as CAD software, GIS, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, e-mail, and project management tool

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Master’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering field and eight (8) years of professional engineering experience, including at least five (5) years in a municipal or public sector environment, with progressively responsible administrative or supervisory experience managing engineering staff and/or projects, OR

B. Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering field and ten (10) years of professional engineering experience, including at least five (5) years in a municipal or public sector environment, with progressively responsible administrative or supervisory experience managing engineering staff and/or projects

C. Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a New York State Professional Engineer (PE) License at time of appointment and maintenance of license throughout employment.

• Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License at time of appointment and for the duration of employment. .

Note: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Per City Code § 62-1, candidates for this position hired by the City of Albany municipal government must be or become residents of the City of Albany within 180 days of hire and for the duration of employement. Failure to move into the City shall be deemed a voluntary resignation.

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ABOUT THE OFFICE

Mayor-Elect Dorcey Applyrs Administration is prepared to use every policy lever and tool at the City of Albany’s disposal to build a city that is united, prosperous, and safe. The Mayor’s Office oversees the Executive Branch of City government and works closely with City departments to develop and deliver programs and services that address community needs. The Mayor’s Office also partners with the Albany Common Council to shape the City’s legislative agenda and prioritizes meaningful and regular engagement with community members to inform City government’s focus and approach.

The Applyrs government will be an honest, transparent, and responsive force that prioritizes public safety, strengthens the local economy, and addresses the diverse needs of our residents so that no one is left out or left behind. We are looking to create a culture that prioritizes collaboration, creative problem solving, and transparency. As Mayor-Elect Applyrs prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, she is looking to build a dynamic team made up of people with a diverse set of lived and professional experiences who are passionate about building an Albany for all, and who appreciate the unique demands of public service. The Applyrs team will be highly motivated, strategic, creative, and solution-oriented; together we will forge a path for Albany that honors our past while boldly embracing the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Economic Opportunity and Development to Mayor Dorcey Applyrs will play a vital role in shaping Albany’s future by helping to ensure that Albany’s economy is competitive, inclusive, and connected to the global economy. The Director will serve as the City’s chief economic development advisor, building and holding relationships with critical private and nonprofit partners, including corporations, major institutions, small businesses, chambers, as well as local, regional, and statewide economic development agencies such as Capitalize Albany and Empire State Development.

The Director of Economic Opportunity and Development will be responsible for developing and driving an economic development strategy for Albany that operationalizes the Mayor’s broad economic vision that Albany’s economic growth should benefit all communities, support small and large businesses, and integrate economic opportunity into policymaking across City Hall. The Director reports to the Deputy Mayor, on a team that also includes the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor, Public Safety Commissioner, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. This new role, established under the Applyrs administration, is dedicated to advancing the city’s economic development priorities and supporting the administration’s vision for Albany, fostering small business growth while positioning the city to compete in the global economy.

The Director of Economic Opportunity and Development’s core responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading the implementation of a citywide economic development strategy with clear goals, strategies, and measurable outcomes.

• Advancing, in close partnership with critical private and nonprofit partners, the Mayor’s economic opportunity and development agenda. Meeting regularly with partners including corporations, major institutions, small businesses, chambers, as well as local, regional, and statewide economic development agencies such as Capitalize Albany and Empire State Development to drive progress.

• Presenting recommendations to the Deputy Mayor and Mayor on steps that the City can take to ensure that Albany’s economy is competitive, inclusive, and connected to the global economy. Similarly, preparing recommendations to the Mayor’s Cabinet and Departments on opportunities to incorporate economic development considerations into broader City policies and programs.

• Attending meetings of the Common Council, Committees Boards, Commissions, and other bodies as needed to report on progress.

• Interfacing effectively with local, state, and federal levels of government to build strategic relationships, identify resources, and advance3 the City’s economic priorities.

Strong Candidates have:

• Deep knowledge of the local and regional economies.

• 8 + years of professional experience in economic development or a related field.

• Experience leading and developing strategic plans, carrying these from vision to implementation and tracking.

• Extensive experience in building and maintaining productive, positive working relationships with a diverse range of partners across sectors.

• Working knowledge of Albany, its communities, and local government.

• Excellent written and verbal communications, including broad public speaking experience.

• Familiarity with state and federal economic development programs, incentives, and funding sources.

• Commitment to ensuring that economic growth expands opportunity and reduces disparities and historical inequities.

• A graduate degree in business administration, urban planning, public policy, management, real estate development or a related field is preferred.

• A willingness and ability to work outside of a traditional office schedule, including after hours and weekends as needed, and in various indoor and outdoor settings to support the principal.

Rate of Pay: $104,810 – 148,140 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Residency Requirement: Preference in hiring is given to qualified City of Albany residents. All candidates must reside in the following counties at the time of appointment and throughout their employment. Proof of residency will be required at time of appointment.

• Albany County

• Columbia County

• Greene County

• Rensselaer County

• Saratoga County

• Schenectady County

• Schoharie County

Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Albany employees here.

Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Applyrs Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The Applyrs Administration values a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. The City of Albany is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all races, colors, religions, creeds, national origins, genders, ages, sexual orientations, marital statuses, as well as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those with arrest or conviction records, and those within any other class protected by law to apply. The City shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants for employment are treated without regard to these characteristics.

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